Fall Protection and Workplace Accidents

While most people are aware that there areguardrails or leading edges to allow people grip
specific safety regulations that employers mustwhile standing on elevated surfaces. If the work
follow to protect their employees, many peoplespace does not have guardrails and is more than
are unaware of what the actual rules are andsix feet from the ground, the worker should be
what their employers are required to provide. Ingiven additional safety features like safety
the event of an accident, the employer may beharnesses, safety nets, and other protective
required to compensate injured employees,features to keep the person safe in event of a
especially if the employer is found to be at fault.fall.
A common work-related injury that is reportedPersons who are required to work on rooftops
by employees on construction sites is injuryshould be protected from hazards like unfinished
caused by falls from elevated heights. Personssections in the roofing area. They should also be
who fall from platforms, structures, and otherprotected from tripping hazards, skylights, and
elevated areas may suffer severe consequencesglass viewing windows. If a person falls through
as a result of the fall. Depending on the height ofsuch structural pieces, he or she may suffer
the structure, the person may face brokenserious injury from the fall.
bones, spine fractures, head and neck injuries, andIf you have been injured in a work-related
other severe damage.accident, you may be eligible for compensation for
While falls from height may be caused bymedical expenses, lost wages, and other financial
weather, worker error, or unstable structures, itsupport. Injured workers may find themselves
is important for the employer to provide a safeunable to support themselves and their families
environment for workers in employ of theduring the difficult treatment and recovery period.
company. Safety regulations often requireThe person may incur unforeseen expenses as a
employers to examine structural integrity ofresult of the accident and may be eligible for
platforms, walkways, and other spaces on whichreimbursement from his or her employer.
workers will be required to stand or cross.For more information on fall protection and
Workers will be allowed to work on such surfacesworkplace accidents, visit the website of the
only after the structure has been tested and isPennsylvania worker's compensation lawyers of
deemed safe to bear the weight of employees.Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Other requirements often include the installation of